International Gemological Institute (IGI), was established in Antwerp in 1975 and is the largest independent  gem certification and appraisal institute in the world, with offices in Antwerp, New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai,  Bangkok, Tokyo, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Cavalese, Toronto, Los Angeles, Kolkata, New Delhi, Thrissur, Surat, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Shanghai.

IGI's leading position in the gemological world is not a coincidence. It is the result of continuous pioneering research, as well as support and synergy from and with professionals and consumers alike. Around the world, IGI certificates  ensure confidence when buying or selling diamonds, gemstones and jewelry.

Total commitment to understanding consumer concerns and needs motivates IGI to develop comprehensive analysis and clear documentation for consumers. This empowers gem and jewelry buyers to focus on discovering  exactly what they want, with full assurance in the integrity and quality of the IGI certification.

The IGI School of Gemology offers a wide variety of in-depth courses, including Polished Diamonds, Rough Diamonds, Colored Stones and Pearls, as well as Jewelry Design Courses, Tailor-made Courses and Retail Sales Development Programs. IGI also provides training seminars and conferences  ranging from 2 hours to 3 days.  The courses are well known for their intensive nature and practical, hands-on learning methodologies, resulting in high levels of competence and expertise. This is why tens of thousands of aspiring mining professionals, Customs  officers, diamond manufacturers, diamond dealers, jewelers and gem enthusiasts alike, wishing to acquire a maximum volume of gemological knowledge in a minimum amount of time, follow them. IGI courses have been attended by people from over 95 different countries, and are taught in many different languages (English, French, Dutch, German,  Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish).

Every student will receive a comprehensive course manual and hands-on grading kit, developed and produced by  IGI  headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium, and all course participants will be taken on a guided tour of the IGI laboratory and research facilities.